The Lesbian and Gay Movement and the State :Comparative Insights into A Transformed Relationship

By analyzing the relationship between lesbian and gay movements and the state, this ground-breaking book addresses two interconnected issues: to what extent is the lesbian and gay movement influenced by the state and, to a lesser extent, whether the lesbian and gay movement has somehow influenced the state, for instance by altering forms of sexual regulation. Given the diversity in national trajectories, this book covers fifteen countries. This enables the volume to shed light on different kinds of relationships between these groups and the state, as well as on the way they have evolved in recent decades. The Lesbian and Gay Movement and the State: Comparative Insights into a Transformed Relationship fills an important gap in the literature on lesbian and gay activism. However, this book also provides important and innovative insights into broader issues in international political science, public policy and comparative politics, as well as issues in social movement studies. These include the role of the state in constructing citizen identities, the heteronormative way in which many traditional citizen entitlements and benefits were constructed, state - civil society relations, judicial activism, the impact of federalism, and the increasing globalization of sexual identities.Reviews: 'The lesbian and gay movement is perhaps the most successful of modern social movements. This powerful and insightful book throws unprecedented light on the different historical contexts in which national movements have developed and confronted or collaborated with the state. Its richness and diversity reflects the richness and diversity of what is now a global movement. This is an essential read.' Jeffrey Weeks, London South Bank University, UK 'The real contribution here is the impressive array of settings that are given informed analysis. Especially valuable are overviews provided of countries in Latin America, Asia, and other regions where the relationship between activists and state authorities has been in such dramatic flux. Readers committed to serious comparative understanding of sexual diversity politics will find this volume immensely useful.' David Rayside, University of Toronto, Canada and author of Queer Inclusions, Continental Divisions: Public Recognition of Sexual Diversity in Canada and the United States. 'A significant contribution to the field of sexuality and politics, this impressive collection offers thoughtful consideration of the dynamic and fluid relationship between the lesbian and gay social movement and institutions of the state - well timed as the treatment of lesbian and gay citizens takes root as a key issue on national and global political agendas.' Angela R. Wilson, University of Manchester, UK